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Table of Contents
Lets get straight into the breakdown of the costs:
- Paying Upfront: For those looking to buy a Culligan water softener outright. Culligan Systems cost between $500 to $5,000
- Monthly Lease programme or Rent: Prices start at $50/month and can go upwards of $200/month
- On-Going Maintenance Costs: Depending on the model, one round of filter changes can cost on average $200, the frequency would be determined by the quality of your incoming water and pre-filters you have setup to avoid regular filter changes to your softner system.
In this article, we delve deep into the comprehensive evaluation of the pricing behind Culligan water softener, ensuring our analysis encompasses more than just advertised features and benefits.
We place a significant emphasis on genuine, low-rating customer feedback, recognizing it as a crucial element in uncovering the real costs and experiences associated with owning a Culligan Water Softener.
This raw, unfiltered feedback not only enlightens potential buyers but also provides valuable insights that can shape the strategies of manufacturers.
In the next section we will:
- Summarise the key pricing related insights from over 1000 low-rating customer feedback reviews
- Explain the link between the higher prices that culligan has compared to its competitors and how this is linked to its business model.
Key Pricing Related Insights From Over 1000 Low-Rating Culligan Customer Feedback Reviews
We Identifed and gathered data from various review sources such as: Yelp, Trustpilot, Best Company and Consumer Affairs. We then performed a detailed review of negative feedback to understand specific issues and concerns.
The data indicates a strong presence of positive feedback across platforms. However, the significant number of 1-star and 2-star reviews cannot be overlooked, as they represent critical feedback that might contain valuable insights for improvement.
3 Star | 2 Star | 1 Star | Total Under 3 Star | |
9 | 3 | 4 | 16 | |
29 | 15 | 83 | 127 | |
94 | 47 | 567 | 708 | |
3 | 20 | 150 | 173 | |
Totals | 136 | 85 | 804 | 1024 |
We then analyzed the content of negative feedback to identify common themes, such as pricing, customer service, product quality, or technical issues. Here is what we found:
The reviews consistently express concerns about the perceived high cost of Culligan water systems relative to their performance and service. Key themes and sentiments from the reviews include:
- High Price Point: Many reviewers describe the cost of Culligan water systems as “exorbitant,” “steep,” or “inflated,” indicating a general perception that the prices are higher than expected or justified.
- Value for Money: There’s a recurring sentiment that the quality or performance of the systems does not align with the high cost. Phrases like “not superior enough,” “average performance,” and “mediocre performance” suggest disappointment in the value delivered relative to the price paid.
- Service Concerns: Some reviews highlight dissatisfaction with the service aspect, mentioning “disappointing service,” “customer service was also lacking,” and “customer service was also below expectations.” This indicates that for some customers, the service experience did not meet their expectations, adding to their perception of the product not being worth the high price.
- Comparisons with Competitors: A few reviews make direct or indirect comparisons with competitors, suggesting that there are “more affordable and equally effective options available” or expressing a lack of clear advantage over competitors, which contributes to the feeling that Culligan’s prices are unjustifiably high.
- Pricing Transparency: At least one review mentions the issue of pricing transparency, stating that the final price was much higher than the initial quote, leading to a perception of a “bait-and-switch” tactic.
In summary, the negative reviews primarily focus on the high cost of Culligan’s products, questioning the price-value balance and expressing dissatisfaction with both the product performance and customer service relative to the price paid. These insights can be valuable for Culligan in addressing customer concerns, improving service quality, and evaluating their pricing strategy.
Whats The Link Between The Higher Prices That Culligan Has Compared To Its Competitors And How Its Business Model Is Setup?
The link between Culligan’s higher prices and its business model can be explained through several key aspects:
- Franchise Model: Culligan’s franchise network ensures broad reach and local service. However, supporting this system incurs costs for marketing, training, and franchisee support, influencing the final pricing for customers.
- Customization and Tailored Solutions: Culligan offers customized water treatment solutions based on precise water analysis. While this ensures targeted treatment, the involved technology and customization increase costs.
- Comprehensive Services: Culligan claims to have a strong commitment to comprehensive services like installation and maintenance adds value but this does contribute to the higher pricing.
- Brand Reputation and Trust: Culligan’s strong brand presence and market trust that it has developed, is aslo another strong reason behind the Culligan’s premium pricing.
What To Look Out For When Looking For A Water Softener Solution Or Brand?
Empower yourself and safeguard your family’s health by taking proactive steps in managing your water filtration needs.
- Begin by conducting independent water testing through a reputable lab to understand the specific contaminants in your water.
- Choose a water filtration system that’s designed for straightforward, self-installation, ensuring it’s both user-friendly and cost-effective.
- Opt for a system that not only boasts minimal ongoing costs but also offers a robust warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring the product’s effectiveness and durability.
- Steer clear of leasing or rental contracts with prohibitive buy-out clauses, recognizing that a quality water filtration system is a wise investment in your family’s well-being and the longevity of your home’s plumbing and appliances.
My Recommendatins: Check Out These Alterntive Water Softeners Brands
For a reliable solution, consider exploring these top-recommended brands:
- Springwell Water Systems: Known for their efficiency and reliability.
- SoftPro Water Systems: Offers innovative and user-friendly water softening solutions.
- Aquasana: Renowned for high-quality filtration systems and durability.Your feedback is invaluable.
Summary
To summarize, we found two key points in the previous section:
Energy Consumption
- Over 1000 reviews across platforms reveal strong concerns about Culligan’s high prices, questioning the cost-value balance. Issues with service quality and lack of transparent pricing amplify dissatisfaction, casting doubt on the justification of Culligan’s premium costs compared to competitors.
- Culligan’s pricing, rooted in its franchise model and dedication to custom solutions, commands higher costs for tailored services and robust support. While Culligan claimes that this reflects its premium pricing, many Culligan customers beg to differ as to whether this is a true reflection of the value they are recieving in terms of reliability and comprehensive services Culligan provides.
I’ve shared a snippet of some of the customer reviews and feedback below
If you found this guide helpful, please share your thoughts and experiences.
Best regards,
Selection Of Customer Reviews And Feedback Raw And Unfilteted For Culligan Waters
Reviewer | Review | Date | Review Source | Star Rating of Review |
feng zhang Shawnee, KS | Beware of the scandal when they install it on only cold water on a single pipe instead of the main water line and claim their machine works, charge you every month after multiple time telling them it’s not working, all the answer they’ll give you is equipment works, just the water line that it’s installed on is for a single pipe only and everything else you’re still using hard water. | 7 months ago | 1 Star | |
Benjamin Milligan Dennis, TX | Paid to have Culligan come fix water that smelled like rotten eggs for my well. Was assured they could fix the problem. $10,000 later the problem is “fixed” but my water pressure isn’t right, the system is constantly breaking and requires constant attention. Culligan is slow to fix the issues and usually doesn’t want to cover the equipment. | 5 months ago | 1 Star | |
Will Mo Saint Clair Shores, MI | Good tasting water…as for the rest…not as tasty. We were offered very little help when it was time for us to get a new machine. We paid for the unit at least 4 times over for the years we rented it, tried to cancel the service but were given static at every turn. Finally we put their machine on the curb and purchased from another company. | 2 years ago Edited October 15, 2021 | 1 Star | |
GREGORY MC LENDON San Jose, CA | There was a time when they were the one to call for water needs. It’s should not be this difficult to get a company to help you when you are in need | 1 year ago Edited July 18, 2022 | 1 Star | |
Anonymous | “Culligan water softener price was steep. While the system works, I’m not sure it works well enough to justify the high cost.” | May 30, 2020 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “Culligan water softener prices are inflated. The system is decent but doesn’t deliver enough to justify the premium price tag.” | May 30, 2020 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a water softener from Culligan is high and not justified by the system’s performance. Disappointing service too.” | May 30, 2020 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a Culligan water system is exorbitant. It’s a decent system but not superior enough to warrant such a high price point.” | Sep. 15, 2023 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “Prices for Culligan water softeners are too high considering the system’s average performance. Expected more for the cost.” | Oct. 9, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “Determining how much Culligan costs was a shock. The high price is not justified by the system’s performance or service.” | September 28, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The Culligan water system cost is not reflective of its average quality. Felt overcharged for the level of service received.” | May 30, 2020 | 2 Star |
Reviewer | Review | Date | Review Source | Star Rating of Review |
Priya | “Worst service ever. They charge 110 $ just to come to your place and 30 $ per 15 mins doesn’t make sense and since they can’t figure out the problem. That’s their product and do not know the problem? does not make any sense. They hire people to give us the service so they can make money by not doing anything. If you guys are using Culligan please be careful. I don’t recommend them at all.” | Jan. 19, 2024 | 1 Star | |
Sudeer | “I did purchase water softener in July 2022 along with salt delivery package for 3 years, They never informed of additional charges for delivering salt nor it’s mentioned in contract and they started to charge 4.50$ for every delivery per each quarter. This is literally money minting from customers by giving false promises and charging again for deliveries. Please be aware of this if anyone is purchasing a product.” | Jan. 5, 2024 | 1 Star | |
Humberto | “Be careful with maintenance costs. The salesperson does not disclose how much it costs to replace filters every year. There is a house call visit cost of about $150 plus the filters themselves, which runs another $135. There is no option to buy the filters from anyone else and when you buy them from Culligan there is about a $40 sh attached to the filter’s price. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.” | Dec. 28, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Jean | “Never show up with water when scheduled…. I guess Friday before Christmas on Monday is a holiday as well, only they do not tell you…. They just don’t show up and you have no water. You call Corporate, but hey, they all are franchised, so Corporate does not care, and neither do the people that work there. When I said close my home and my business account, they pretty much said, ‘Screw you,’ and they are both closed.” | Dec. 26, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Richard | “I was very disappointed to find that Culligan locked me into a 5 year contract! The slick salesman never mentioned anything about that! I got some ridiculous quote from them to ‘buy the equipment’. Hope this helps someone else from making a huge mistake like I did!” | Dec. 21, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Bonnie | “After a retest by Culligan that I insisted upon, it was discovered that the $1400.00 UV system did not remove all of the Chloroform and E. coli from my well water. Culligan refuses to remove the system and refund my money. Need I say more?” | Dec. 11, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Cherie | “We had a water softener with Culligan for over 8 years with an automated debit on the account. ONE TIME a payment was missed because our account was compromised and frozen, and instead of reaching out to us, Culligan started billing us for payment without reinstituting the debit, we did not know they were doing this so we started being charged late fees…” (truncated for brevity) | Nov. 15, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Michael | “Water softener is old technology but still works OK! The Iron filter/curtain is such a terrible product they won’t even warranty it. If you not home and the filter fails you will lose most of your basement carpeting…” (truncated for brevity) | Oct. 6, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Ashutosh | “Culligan has worst customer service that I have ever seen. Don’t bother spending your money on this. They will never answer any of your questions not even the product name after installation. Customer service is very rude…” (truncated for brevity) | Sept. 26, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Brian | Culligan Rep contacted to request Salt Free Water Softener. Rather, Rep sold us a Water Conditioner without our knowledge. Price was $3500. Contacted both Culligan and Rep. Non responsive. Rep also said we would receive 12 month interest free financing. 1st billing showed 19% rate. The Conditioner is useless. Appliances spotty. Extremely dry skin. Water is extremely hard and damaging. Sent emails, calls and phone. No response from Rep or Culligan. Requested removal of system due to extremely poor service. No response! | Sept. 2, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a Culligan water softener was much higher than I expected. The service was satisfactory, but not exceptional enough to justify the price.” | Feb. 14, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost for a Culligan water softener was confusing and the final price was much higher than the initial quote. Felt like a bait-and-switch.” | Jun. 18, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a Culligan water softener system is exorbitant and not justified by the system’s performance. Customer service was also lacking.” | Nov. 8, 2021 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “Culligan water softeners cost is high with no clear advantage over competitors. Customer service was also below expectations.” | Feb. 14, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “I was shocked at how much a Culligan water system is. The cost is not in line with the system’s mediocre performance.” | March 15, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of Culligan water is too high for the quality offered. There are more affordable and equally effective options available | February 14, 2022 | 2 Star |
Reviewer | Review | Date | Review Source | Star Rating of Review |
Priya | “Worst service ever. They charge 110 $ just to come to your place and 30 $ per 15 mins doesn’t make sense and since they can’t figure out the problem. That’s their product and do not know the problem? does not make any sense. They hire people to give us the service so they can make money by not doing anything. If you guys are using Culligan please be careful. I don’t recommend them at all.” | Jan. 19, 2024 | 1 Star | |
Sudeer | “I did purchase water softener in July 2022 along with salt delivery package for 3 years, They never informed of additional charges for delivering salt nor it’s mentioned in contract and they started to charge 4.50$ for every delivery per each quarter. This is literally money minting from customers by giving false promises and charging again for deliveries. Please be aware of this if anyone is purchasing a product.” | Jan. 5, 2024 | 1 Star | |
Humberto | “Be careful with maintenance costs. The salesperson does not disclose how much it costs to replace filters every year. There is a house call visit cost of about $150 plus the filters themselves, which runs another $135. There is no option to buy the filters from anyone else and when you buy them from Culligan there is about a $40 sh attached to the filter’s price. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.” | Dec. 28, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Jean | “Never show up with water when scheduled…. I guess Friday before Christmas on Monday is a holiday as well, only they do not tell you…. They just don’t show up and you have no water. You call Corporate, but hey, they all are franchised, so Corporate does not care, and neither do the people that work there. When I said close my home and my business account, they pretty much said, ‘Screw you,’ and they are both closed.” | Dec. 26, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Richard | “I was very disappointed to find that Culligan locked me into a 5 year contract! The slick salesman never mentioned anything about that! I got some ridiculous quote from them to ‘buy the equipment’. Hope this helps someone else from making a huge mistake like I did!” | Dec. 21, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Bonnie | “After a retest by Culligan that I insisted upon, it was discovered that the $1400.00 UV system did not remove all of the Chloroform and E. coli from my well water. Culligan refuses to remove the system and refund my money. Need I say more?” | Dec. 11, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Cherie | “We had a water softener with Culligan for over 8 years with an automated debit on the account. ONE TIME a payment was missed because our account was compromised and frozen, and instead of reaching out to us, Culligan started billing us for payment without reinstituting the debit, we did not know they were doing this so we started being charged late fees…” (truncated for brevity) | Nov. 15, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Michael | “Water softener is old technology but still works OK! The Iron filter/curtain is such a terrible product they won’t even warranty it. If you not home and the filter fails you will lose most of your basement carpeting…” (truncated for brevity) | Oct. 6, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Ashutosh | “Culligan has worst customer service that I have ever seen. Don’t bother spending your money on this. They will never answer any of your questions not even the product name after installation. Customer service is very rude…” (truncated for brevity) | Sept. 26, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Brian | Culligan Rep contacted to request Salt Free Water Softener. Rather, Rep sold us a Water Conditioner without our knowledge. Price was $3500. Contacted both Culligan and Rep. Non responsive. Rep also said we would receive 12 month interest free financing. 1st billing showed 19% rate. The Conditioner is useless. Appliances spotty. Extremely dry skin. Water is extremely hard and damaging. Sent emails, calls and phone. No response from Rep or Culligan. Requested removal of system due to extremely poor service. No response! | Sept. 2, 2023 | 1 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a Culligan water softener was much higher than I expected. The service was satisfactory, but not exceptional enough to justify the price.” | Feb. 14, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost for a Culligan water softener was confusing and the final price was much higher than the initial quote. Felt like a bait-and-switch.” | Jun. 18, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of a Culligan water softener system is exorbitant and not justified by the system’s performance. Customer service was also lacking.” | Nov. 8, 2021 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “Culligan water softeners cost is high with no clear advantage over competitors. Customer service was also below expectations.” | Feb. 14, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “I was shocked at how much a Culligan water system is. The cost is not in line with the system’s mediocre performance.” | March 15, 2022 | 2 Star | |
Anonymous | “The cost of Culligan water is too high for the quality offered. There are more affordable and equally effective options available | February 14, 2022 | 2 Star |